WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team concluded its homestand with a matchup against SSC foe Eckerd.
PBA (11-6, 5-4 SSC) jumped ahead of the Tritons (9-8, 4-5 SSC) after an impeccable first half. The Sailfish put up 62 points in the first half on their way to scoring 108 points in the game, a program record for points scored in an SSC game. Six Sailfish scored double digits in the contest as the 'Fish cruised to a 108-86 win over Eckerd.
Grant Ledford led PBA with 24 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. After a strong first half,
Micah Jones finished with 18 points and five assists.
Marcus Montalvo recorded 17 points with six rebounds and five steals.
Trent McNair added 15 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal, and one block.
Jamaal Walker tallied 12 points with four rebounds, one block, and one steal.
Will Lee scored 10 points with four assists and one steal.
The Sailfish played a nearly perfect half of basketball in the first period. All nine players that appeared for the 'Fish scored a bucket in the first 20 minutes. PBA put on an offensive display, shooting 62 percent from the field and 65 percent (9-for-14) from 3-point range. Jones, McNair, and Ledford each scored double-digits. The team committed only one turnover while forcing seven for the Tritons. The stout Sailfish defense held Eckerd to 27 points on 36 percent shooting, including 2-for-12 from beyond the arc. PBA went into halftime, leading 62-27.
The second half was a muckfest containing 26 total fouls and 36 free throws. The pace and physicality of the game ramped up. The visitors played full-court defense against the 'Fish, forcing PBA into some turnovers at the beginning of the second half. PBA adjusted and eliminated turnovers down the stretch and scored 46 points in the period. Eckerd shot 48 percent with 17 made free throws in the second half to score 59 points, but the Tritons barely made a dent in the PBA lead. The Sailfish closed out a 108-86 win with ease.
PBA shot 56 percent from the field compared to 43 percent for the Tritons. Eckerd finished with 15 turnovers, resulting in 19 points for PBA. The Tritons finished the game with a rebound advantage that helped result in 17 second-chance points. The Sailfish led for the entirety of the contest.
PBA looks to extend its winning streak when it travels to Tampa on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
